Are you looking to add some personality and color to your space?
If so, consider hanging up some wallpaper. Wallpaper has made a major comeback in the past few years, and nowadays, you can find wallpaper in all kinds of colors and patterns!
However, hanging wallpaper in your home is a bold decision, so you want to make sure you get it right. Read these wallpaper tips to learn all about the process of hanging wallpaper in your home.
Try Before You Buy
Just as you would with paint, it’s a good idea to get a sample of wallpaper to test in your home before you commit to buying a whole roll. We recommend ordering a few samples in various colors and patterns to figure out what works best in your home.
Ideally, you want to wait until the room is decorated before you order samples. This way, you’ll have a better idea of whether the wallpaper will mesh with its surroundings.
Once you have some samples, we recommend leaving them up for two to three weeks. This way, you can grow accustomed to the way it looks and decide if it’s right for you.
Consider the Effect of Patterns
Patterned wallpaper can be a great way to spruce up a room. However, you need to understand the effects of different patterns before you paste on your paper.
Here are some pattern guidelines to keep in mind:
- Vertical patterns make your ceilings appear higher, and they add grandiosity to your space
- Horizontal patterns widen and open up a room (but can make your ceiling look low)
- Dark patterns will make your room appear smaller
- Light patterns will make your room appear larger
- Floral/damask patterns will create a romantic atmosphere in your home, especially if the wallpaper colors are muted or pastel
- Bold or geometric patterns are best for contemporary and modern rooms
As you can see, patterns can have a major effect on the final result!
Consider Lighting
Your room’s lighting also needs to be taken into consideration when choosing wallpaper.
If your space is dark or doesn’t have windows, look for wallpapers that reflect light well. Wallpapers with light colors, iridescent ink, or metallic patterns are all great options for windowless rooms.
If you choose dark wallpaper, make sure your space has plenty of light fixtures, as dark wallpaper tends to absorb the light around it and make the room look smaller.
Traditional vs. Removable Wallpaper Tips
Before buying, it’s also important to understand the difference between traditional and removable wallpaper. Traditional wallpaper typically requires an adhesive that needs to be soaked and pasted onto the wall before applying the paper.
While this wallpaper is very durable, it’s difficult to remove and, in some cases, can be difficult to apply.
Removable wallpaper is also known as self-adhesive or peel and stick wallpaper. To apply this wallpaper, all you have to do is peel off the backing and stick it to the wall.
Renters are the typical target market for this type of wallpaper, as it’s easy to remove. However, it’s not as durable as traditional wallpaper.
With some wallpapers, such as this Leo wallpaper, you can choose between traditional and self-adhesive.
Know How Much Wallpaper to Purchase
Once you’ve chosen a wallpaper pattern and color, it’s time to figure out how much to purchase.
While wallpapers are measured in square feet, we recommend taking your measurement to the nearest eighth inch. Measure the length of your walls in inches. Then, measure the height of the room from the floor to the ceiling in inches.
Add together the length of each wall in your room, then multiply this number by the sum of the height of your room. The resulting number will tell you the area of your wall in inches.
To get the square foot measurement, divide the result by 144. Then, measure the square footage of the windows, doors, and other spaces on the wall that won’t be covered by wallpaper, and deduct this number from your calculation.
Before buying, check to make sure the roll gives you enough square footage to cover your walls. Typically, we suggest ordering one more roll than you need, as it’s best to have some extra in case anything gets messed up.
Hang the Wallpaper
Once you have the right amount of wallpaper, it’s time to start hanging! If you buy self-adhesive wallpaper, you just need to peel and stick. For traditional wallpaper, here’s what you need to do.
Prime the Walls: Get the walls ready by sanding them smooth and patching any holes. Then, apply an acrylic primer.
Cut the Wallpaper to Size: Measure the height of your wall and allow an extra six inches or so for trimming. Use a utility knife to cut the paper.
Hang the First Piece: Mark a plumb line on your wall, unbook your wall covering, and begin to apply it to the wall. Use the heels of your hand to slide the wall covering on the wall until the edge is aligned with the plumb line.
Smooth the Surface: Use a soft-bristle brush to smooth out the surface.
Fix the Corners: Use a utility knife or a straightedge to cut off excess corners of the wallpaper.
If there are many gaps in the corners, you can fill them in with caulk.
Now It’s Time to Hang Your Wallpaper
Now that you’ve read these wallpaper tips, it’s time for you to hang your wallpaper! With new wallpaper, you’ll be able to give your home a fresh look!
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more ideas on how to freshen up your space!
